The Next Great Debate…

The Stigma of Mental Illness

Dear Mental Health Advocate:

Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign; there has been a great deal of discussion surrounding mental illness and our healthcare system. While the conversation has reinforced the need for reform…it may have done more harm than good.

The media’s focus on issues surrounding individuals with “severe” mental illness has served to downplay the fact that nearly50%of all people in the United States will develop at least one mental health condition during their lifetime. According to the CDC, national surveys estimate (at least)1 in 5 adults currently have a mental health condition; 56% of whom are not receiving treatment.

Unfortunately, the ADA cannot protect employeesfrom stigma or unconscious bias in the workplace; and the risk of disclosure endures. While the majority of employers strive to implement comprehensive diversity initiatives; few have taken steps to acknowledge, embrace, and support mental differences within their organizations.

MindingDiversity.org has created asurveyto help shed light on the common realities of the U.S. workforce, and to Bring Diversity to Mind!

How many of your colleagues are struggling behind their cubicle walls?!

You can help reduce the stigma of mental illness with just three minutes of your time. Complete, share, and promote our message. For more information about how you can help, visit MindingDiversity.org.

Thank you for being part of the “solution.” We look forward to sharing your feedback.